Silvergate Leisure has bought its sixth English pub in the form of the Swan Inn at Ironbridge, near Telford in Shropshire.

The three-storey, former 18th century malthouse is believed to be the oldest pub in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, which was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

The winner of the Shropshire Pub of the Year Award in 2006, the Swan was built on the Wharfage on the River Severn and was already an inn when the famous bridge was built 300 yards away.
 
It now comprises a main bar, two restaurant areas to seat 110 diners, eight en-suite bedrooms with a four-diamond rating, a one-bedroom manager’s flat, and two outdoor seating areas for 50 more customers.

The inn achieves annual turnover and profits of more than £1m and £300,000 respectively. Drinks account for 50% of sales, food for 40% and accommodation for the remaining 10%.

The Birmingham office Christie + Co sold the freehold off an asking price of £1.75m on behalf of Graham and Gaynor McDonald.

By Angela Frewin